The HTRA1 (High-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1) antibody is a tool used to study the HTRA1 protein, a secreted serine protease involved in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis, cell signaling, and apoptosis. HTRA1 degrades various ECM components, including fibronectin and proteoglycans, and modulates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling by cleaving its binding proteins. Dysregulation of HTRA1 is linked to age-related diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where its overexpression disrupts retinal pigment epithelium function. It also plays roles in cancer progression, osteoarthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders.
HTRA1 antibodies are widely utilized in research to detect protein expression via Western blot, immunohistochemistry, or ELISA. They help elucidate HTRA1's pathological mechanisms, such as its dual role in suppressing or promoting tumors depending on context. In AMD, HTRA1 antibodies aid in identifying disease biomarkers and evaluating therapeutic targets. Recent studies explore neutralizing HTRA1 antibodies or inhibitors to mitigate ECM degradation in AMD and fibrosis-related conditions.
Despite its significance, HTRA1's pleiotropic functions necessitate careful interpretation of experimental results. Ongoing research aims to clarify its tissue-specific roles and therapeutic potential, making HTRA1 antibodies critical for advancing molecular and clinical insights.